Graduate Assistantship Program

The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development is seeking talented students interested in contributing to Fanning’s portfolio, which includes developing and implementing leadership education and development programs, curriculum development, technical assistance, applied research, and data collection and evaluation.

Fanning graduate student assistants work directly with faculty members on a variety of public service and outreach projects.

The Fanning Graduate Assistant Program (FGAP), coordinated by the Director of Fanning and the FGAP committee, is an initiative to help ensure a positive learning and working experience for all graduate and doctoral level students. FGAP provides UGA graduate students with expanded opportunities for engaging in research, and public service and outreach endeavors while contributing to UGA’s goal of enhancing graduate education.

Fanning graduate student assistants work directly with faculty members on a variety of public service and outreach projects; they are treated as valued members of the Fanning community; and they are included in institute activities, e-mails, and discussions. Furthermore, the program gives students the opportunity for leadership and personal development.

Core components

Faculty Advisors

Each graduate student is matched with a faculty advisor for a discrete period of time based on faculty needs and budgetary considerations. Faculty members guide and facilitate workload and projects while students learn to manage their workload and incoming projects.

Faculty members guide and facilitate workload and projects while students learn to manage their workload and incoming projects.

Orientation

Graduate students participate in an orientation where they have the opportunity to meet with fellow FGAP students and to learn about day-to-day operations and the Fanning culture. Graduate students are encouraged on an ongoing basis to meet with faculty members with whom they would like to work and discuss potential projects.

Ongoing Learning Opportunities

FGAP provides several professional development opportunities each semester. Students and faculty participate together and learn from each other, and have the opportunity to develop and hone skills in core Fanning competencies such as leading difficult conversations, process and facilitation skills, implementing leadership education and development programs, curriculum development, technical assistance, applied research, and data collection and evaluation.

Evaluation and Feedback

Students can expect constructive feedback on all projects. The FGAP Committee conducts end of the semester interviews with all graduate students, and serves as a liaison with faculty if any problems arise.

Application of Interest Form

Application deadline: Applications will re-open in January 2020

FGAP finalists will be interviewed in April with final notification prior to the end of spring semester.